50 Things to Do Miami Beach Water Activities 2026

In This Article

Miami Beach sits between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, which means water activities are available in every direction. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on a yacht, an adrenaline rush on a jet ski, or something free and simple like swimming at South Beach — there are over 50 ways to enjoy the water here.

This guide organizes every water activity available in the Miami Beach area by category, with approximate pricing and practical details for each one.

Relaxation & Leisure

1. Private yacht charter

Rent an entire yacht with a captain and cruise Biscayne Bay, Star Island, or the coast. Sport boats start at $479 for 2 hours (up to 8 guests). Mid-range yachts from $1,600 for 4 hours. Captain, fuel, and crew included. View our fleet.

2. Sunset cruise (private)

A private yacht anchored with a view of the Miami skyline as the sun sets behind the city. Yachts from $1,950 for 4 hours. The golden hour on the water is one of Miami’s most photographed experiences. Reserve a sunset cruise.

3. Sunset cruise (shared)

Shared sunset tours depart from various locations along the waterfront. Individual tickets typically run $30-$80 per person. Multiple operators offer narrated tours past Star Island and Fisher Island with complimentary drinks.

4. Dinner cruise

Dine on the water while cruising Biscayne Bay. Shared dinner cruises run $75-$200 per person with multi-course meals. Private dinner cruises on a chartered yacht can be arranged with catering add-ons (private chef from $50-$300 per person). More about dinner cruises.

5. Sandbar trip

Anchor at Haulover Sandbar or one of Miami’s other boat-accessible sandbars and wade in waist-deep turquoise water. Private charters from $479. Weekend sandbar scenes feel like a floating pool party. See our sandbar guide.

6. Paddleboarding (SUP)

Stand-up paddleboard rentals are available all along the beach and at various Biscayne Bay launch points. $25-$40 per hour. Calm mornings on the bay are ideal for beginners. Yoga SUP classes are also available ($40-$60).

7. Kayaking

Kayak rentals from multiple waterfront locations. $25-$40 per hour for singles, $35-$55 for doubles. Popular routes include the mangrove-lined channels near Virginia Key, the Oleta River, and the calm waters of Indian Creek.

8. Beach lounging with service

Rent a beach chair and umbrella ($20-$40/day) at one of South Beach’s many setups. Some luxury hotels offer cabana rentals ($200-$500/day) with food and drink service. The simplest water activity: sit and watch the ocean.

9. Pool day at a hotel

Many Miami Beach hotels offer day passes to their pools ($30-$100+). Rooftop infinity pools with ocean views are a popular option for visitors not staying at that particular hotel.

10. Float the Intracoastal

Bring your own float or inflatable and drift along a calm section of the Intracoastal Waterway. Free (if you have your own float). Popular near North Beach and Sunny Isles.

Adventure & Thrills

11. Jet ski rental

Rent a jet ski and ride the waves offshore. $75-$150 per hour for a single jet ski. Guided tours are available for groups. Some operators offer tandem rides. Minimum age varies by operator (usually 18+ to operate, passengers can be younger). Jet ski rentals in Miami.

12. Parasailing

Get towed behind a boat 200-800 feet in the air with a panoramic view of the coastline. $70-$100 per person for a single ride (10-15 minutes in the air). Tandem and triple rides available. Minimal skill required — you take off and land from the boat.

13. Flyboarding

Strap a water-powered jetpack to your feet and hover above the water. $100-$200 for a 20-30 minute session including instruction. Surprisingly accessible for beginners, though expect to fall a few times before you get the hang of it.

14. Jet boat tour

High-speed sightseeing on a shared jet boat. $40-$60 per person for 30-45 minutes of spins, drifts, and high-speed runs. More thrill ride than scenic cruise. Popular with families and groups who want adrenaline.

15. Wakeboarding

Tow-behind wakeboarding sessions are available through various boat rental operators. $100-$200 per hour for a boat with tow equipment. Best in the calm waters of Biscayne Bay.

16. Waterskiing

Classic tow-behind waterskiing in Biscayne Bay. $100-$200 per hour for a boat with ski equipment. Early mornings offer the glassiest conditions on the bay.

17. Tubing

Get towed behind a boat on an inflatable tube. Part of many boat rental packages or available as a standalone activity. $50-$100 per hour. Fun for all ages and requires zero skill.

18. Kiteboarding/Kitesurfing

Miami Beach (especially near Crandon Park on Key Biscayne) is a popular kiteboarding destination. Lessons from $200-$400 for 2-3 hours. Equipment rental $75-$150 per session. Consistent trade winds make this a year-round sport.

19. Windsurfing

Available at several locations along the Biscayne Bay side. Lessons from $75-$150 per hour. The bay’s flat water and consistent wind make it a good learning environment.

20. E-foiling

Electric hydrofoil surfboards that lift you above the water. Rentals/lessons from $150-$300 per hour. One of the newest water sports in Miami — silent, smooth, and futuristic. E-Foils can be arranged as add-ons on select yacht charters in our fleet.

Underwater & Marine

21. Snorkeling (guided tour)

Guided snorkeling tours depart to reefs and wrecks near Key Biscayne, Biscayne National Park, and artificial reef sites. $40-$80 per person for shared tours. Private charters with snorkel gear from $700 for 2 hours.

22. Scuba diving

Miami has several dive sites including artificial reefs, wrecks, and natural reef systems. Introductory dives (no certification needed) from $100-$200. Certified diver boat trips from $75-$150 per dive.

23. Snorkeling the SS Sapona wreck

The SS Sapona — a concrete ship that ran aground during a hurricane in the 1920s — sits in shallow water near Bimini. Accessible via a Bahamas day trip charter. One of the most unique snorkeling sites in the region. Bahamas charter info.

24. Coral reef exploration

Biscayne National Park protects the northernmost section of the Florida Reef Tract — the third-largest reef system in the world. Glass-bottom boat tours from $40-$60 per person offer views without getting wet.

25. Swimming with dolphins (ethical)

Several operators offer responsible dolphin encounter programs. Expect to pay $150-$300 per person. Always choose operators that prioritize animal welfare and operate in accordance with NOAA marine mammal guidelines.

26. Manatee watching

During winter months (November through March), manatees gather in the warm water outflows near power plants and springs. Boat tours specifically for manatee sighting are available in nearby areas. $40-$80 per person.

27. Ocean swimming

Miami Beach offers miles of open-ocean swimming with lifeguard-patrolled areas. Free. Swim between the flags, watch for currents, and follow lifeguard instructions. Water temperature ranges from 72°F in winter to 87°F in summer.

28. Aqua aerobics / beach fitness

Many hotels and fitness groups offer water-based exercise classes in the ocean or pool. Free to $30 per session. Check for group classes on South Beach in the mornings.

Fishing

29. Deep-sea fishing charter

Head offshore for sailfish, mahi-mahi, tuna, wahoo, and kingfish. Half-day charters from $800-$1,500 for up to 6 anglers. Full-day trips from $1,500-$3,000. All tackle, bait, and licenses typically included. Fishing charters in Miami.

30. Inshore/flats fishing

Target bonefish, snook, tarpon, and permit in the shallow flats of Biscayne Bay. Flats fishing charters from $400-$800 for 4 hours. These are typically sight-fishing trips on smaller, specialized boats.

31. Pier fishing

Fish from public piers along Miami Beach and the causeways. Free (with a Florida fishing license, $17 for a 3-day out-of-state license). Expect to catch small snapper, sheepshead, and occasional larger species.

32. Kite fishing

A South Florida specialty — using a kite to suspend bait on the surface for sailfish, tuna, and mahi-mahi. Available through deep-sea charter operators. Exciting and visually dramatic when a fish strikes.

33. Night fishing

Nighttime charter fishing trips target swordfish, snapper, and other species that feed after dark. $1,000-$2,000 for 6-8 hour overnight trips. A unique experience — the ocean at night is otherworldly.

34. Bridge fishing

Fish from the catwalks and pilings of bridges like the Broad Causeway or Rickenbacker Causeway. Free with a license. Popular with locals targeting snook and tarpon during tide changes.

Tours & Sightseeing

35. Star Island boat tour

Cruise past the waterfront mansions of Star Island, where celebrities and billionaires own property. Available as part of any private yacht charter or on shared sightseeing tours ($25-$45 per person).

36. Biscayne Bay narrated cruise

Guided narrated tours of Biscayne Bay covering local history, ecology, and architecture. $25-$50 per person on shared tours. Multiple operators offer 90-minute to 2-hour tours.

37. Speedboat tour

High-speed sightseeing tours zip past Star Island, Fisher Island, and the Port of Miami. $40-$50 per person for 45-minute tours. A faster, more exciting alternative to standard narrated cruises.

38. Stiltsville tour

View the historic houses on stilts standing in Biscayne Bay near Cape Florida. Part of any private charter to the Key Biscayne area, or available on guided eco-tours. The structures date to the 1930s and have survived multiple hurricanes.

39. Miami skyline cruise

A nighttime cruise past the illuminated Miami skyline is one of the best views of the city. Available as part of any evening yacht charter or on shared night tours ($30-$60 per person).

40. Port of Miami ship-watching

Watch massive cruise ships and container vessels navigate the port channel. Visible from any boat charter passing through the area, or from waterfront parks for free.

Water Sports Instruction

41. Sailing lessons

Learn to sail on Biscayne Bay. Group lessons from $75-$150 per person. Private instruction from $150-$300 per hour. The bay’s consistent winds and flat water make it an excellent learning environment.

42. Surfing lessons

South Beach receives occasional swells, making it a viable learn-to-surf spot. Lessons from $75-$120 for 1-2 hours. Best conditions during winter cold fronts that push swells toward the east coast.

43. Freediving instruction

Learn breath-hold diving techniques in Miami’s warm, clear waters. Courses from $200-$500 for multi-session instruction. The warm water temperature and nearby reef sites make Miami a comfortable training environment.

44. SUP fitness classes

Stand-up paddleboard yoga, Pilates, and fitness classes on the calm waters of Biscayne Bay. $40-$60 per session. Most classes are offered in the early morning before wind picks up.

45. Junior sailing programs

Youth sailing programs operate out of several Miami yacht clubs and community centers. Seasonal programs from $200-$500 per week. An excellent way for kids to develop water confidence.

Unique Experiences

46. Bahamas day trip by yacht

Cross the Gulf Stream to Bimini for a day of Bahamian beaches, snorkeling, and fresh seafood. Private charters from $4,800 for up to 13 guests (captain, fuel, crew included). Full Bahamas guide.

47. Bioluminescence kayaking

During certain times of year, bioluminescent plankton light up the water when disturbed. Guided night kayak tours run $50-$80 per person. The effect is most visible on moonless nights.

48. Glass-bottom boat tour

View the reef and marine life without getting wet. Tours in Biscayne National Park run $40-$60 per person for 2-3 hours. Ideal for families with young children or anyone who prefers to stay dry.

49. Underwater photography workshop

Combine scuba diving or snorkeling with professional photography instruction. Workshops from $200-$400 per session. Learn to capture marine life, corals, and underwater landscapes.

50. Yacht-based event (birthday, proposal, corporate)

Turn a yacht charter into a fully produced event with catering (from $49.99), DJ ($300-$600), photographer ($250-$2,000), floral arrangements ($50-$2,000), and custom decorations. The yacht is the venue — no rental fee beyond the charter price. Plan your event.

Quick Reference: Activities by Budget

Free

• Swimming at South Beach
• Beach walking and shelling
• Bridge and pier fishing (with license)
• Watching the sunset from the shore
• Float the Intracoastal (bring your own float)

Under $50 per person

• Shared sightseeing tour ($25-$50)
• Shared sunset cruise ($30-$60)
• Kayaking ($25-$40/hour)
• Paddleboarding ($25-$40/hour)

$50-$150 per person

• Jet ski rental ($75-$150/hour)
• Parasailing ($70-$100)
• Snorkeling tour ($40-$80)
• Private yacht charter split among 8+ guests ($56-$195/person)
• Shared party boat ($30-$80)

$150-$500 per person

• Flyboarding ($100-$200)
• Scuba diving ($100-$200)
• E-foiling ($150-$300)
• Private yacht charter on a luxury vessel ($223-$488/person for 13 guests)
• Deep-sea fishing ($133-$250/person)

$500+ per person

• Bahamas day trip by yacht ($354/person for 13 guests)
• Super yacht charter ($619-$842/person for 13 guests)
• Multi-day charter (custom pricing)

Get on the Water

Whether you are looking for a 2-hour sport boat ride to the sandbar or a full-day Bahamas adventure on a luxury yacht, we can help you find the right experience.

Message us on WhatsApp with what you are looking for and we will recommend the best option for your group, budget, and schedule.

All yacht charters include captain, fuel, and crew. Gratuity not included (15-20% is customary).